The Gunners have already said they intend to force their captain to see out the last 12 months of his contract.

Man City are still apparently keen on the hitman despite the challenge from Juventus and are ready to offer him an eye-watering £225,000-per-week, but only after they unload some of their unwanted players.

Paris Saint-Germain were also linked with the striker but club chairman Nasser al-Khelaifi has denied the French club are interested.

‘We have never talked with Van Persie,’ he told l’Equipe.

‘We trust our current forwards. But we are trying to find another one.’